Boston University Online Distance Education
Located: Boston, MA 02215
Ph: (617) 353-2300 Fax: (617) 353-9695
Full-time: 7100 men, 10300 women
Part-time: 680 men, 640 women
Graduate: 5725 men, 6590 women
Application Deadline: January 1
SAT/ACT: required
Faculty: 1360
Ph.D.s: 85%
Student/Faculty: 13 to 1
Tuition: $7,000
General Description: Boston University, the fourth largest private university in the U.S. and an institution perennially ranked by “U.S. News & World Report” has expanded its online degree offerings to include a bachelor of liberal studies in interdisciplinary studies, masters degrees in criminal justice, banking and financial services management, computer information systems – database management, computer information systems – information security, project management, and music. In addition, BU offers online doctoral programs in physical therapy and music education. Founded in 1839, BU has 11 undergraduate and 15 graduate schools. The University Professors Program, accelerated medical and dental programs, and the management honors program are the strongest academically, while communications, business, and marketing are the largest in size. 73% of all freshmen and 66% of all continuing students received some form of financial aid, averaging about $9,000. Tuition is about $15,000, making the difference between tuition and financial aid comparable to some of the cheapest schools in the country. Student-faculty ratio is 13 to 1, and the school is considered highly competitive.
Studying Online
In most cases, Boston University online programs are completely online, which means students do not have to come to campus. Instead, we’ve designed an online environment which allows our faculty members to interact with students through the internet. Course content varies, but usually includes online lecture, videos, interactive animations, discussion boards, and more. Students submit regular assignments including homework, projects and papers, through the Web interface. Most courses also integrate secure online exams.
Students are required to formally apply for Boston University Online programs. Applicants are reviewed by an admissions panel and are held to the same academic standards as on-campus students.
Online learning can require a lot of written communication. Because you will be learning at your own location and during the times that you prefer, e-mail will probably be your primary means of communicating with instructors and other students. In addition, most courses will ask that students engage regularly in online discussions and debates. As an online student, it will be important that you feel comfortable interacting with others from a distance, since you will not have the same face-to-face contact as a student learning on campus.
Online students take an active role in their education. A greater degree of flexibility also means that you’ll need to be disciplined in your approach to your studies—it will be up to you to make sure you log on to your course and meet your own deadlines, because your professor won’t be in the room to remind you to do so.
Course Schedules
Most courses operate on a seven-week schedule. Though you can complete course assignments during the hours that work best for you on a day-to-day basis, you will be required to finish the course within the allotted time period. Each course has built-in deadlines along the way to make sure that you progress at a manageable pace.
Students enrolled in Boston University Online programs are typically able to complete two courses per semester by taking one seven-week course at a time.
